Sports

Sports Minister Charges Super Eagles To go For Trophy in Cote D’ivoire

Published

3 years ago

January 10, 2024

Joel Ajayi

As Nigeria’s Senior Men’s National team, the Super Eagles prepare to take on the rest of the continent at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Honourable Minister of Sports, Senator John Owan Enoh has charged the team to imbibe the spirit of resilience and togetherness in order to bring the trophy home.

In an inspiring address during the team’s farewell dinner, Senator Enoh emphasized the importance of wearing the Nigerian badge with patriotism at the tournament. He urged the team to embody the “never say die” spirit of Nigeria, reminding them to play not only for themselves but also for their families and the nation at large.

“With over 200 million Nigerians eagerly watching and supporting, your performance holds the hopes and dreams of our entire nation,” he stated, highlighting the immense significance of the team’s representation on the continental stage.

Acknowledging the comprehensive support provided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in ensuring the team’s readiness, the Minister urged the Super Eagles to seize every opportunity from the very first game.

“Take the fight to your opponents and show the Naija Spirit that you carry,” he charged.
Expressing personal commitment, Senator Enoh pledged his presence in Ivory Coast to offer on-ground support and work closely with the NFF to maintain focus and motivation within the team.

“I assure you of undistracted support and endeavor to secure all that is rightfully yours, ensuring your representation of the fatherland is marked by your commitment.”

In attendance, the Governor of Lagos State and his dear wife who hosted the dinner , the Super Eagles players,Coach and technical team members ,the NFF president Ibrahim Musa Gusau, NFF General Secretary Dr. Sanusi Muhammed and members of the board,past president of the NFF Amaju Pinnick, corporate organisations, gentlemen of the press amongst others.

Nigeria is hunting for its fourth continental glory, after the triumphs of 1980, 1994, and 2013. The Super Eagles will ruffle feathers against Equatorial Guinea in its first game on Sunday, January 14th, before wrestling against the Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire four days later.

Its last group game will be against the Wild Dogs of Guinea Bissau on January 22nd.

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Sports

VIP Spikers unveil Veronica Gyamfi following successful surgery after career-threatening injury

Published

6 hours ago

October 25, 2026

The Gleamer

VIP Spikers have unveiled Veronica Gyamfi as their player, pledging to support her welfare and recovery after an injury sustained during last season’s CGC Volleyball Premier League.

The unveiling took place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, with Samuel Onikeku, Head of Sports, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), performing the ceremony.

Gyamfi sustained the injury while representing Wikki during last season’s CGC Volleyball Premier League.

In a swift response, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR), and the President of Vipers sponsored her surgery at Dala Orthopedic Hospital in Kano, where she spent two weeks receiving medical attention.

Her signing by Vipers and Partners VC, popularly known as VIP Spikers, is expected to provide her with continued care and support as she progresses through recovery and works towards returning to competitive volleyball.

Meanwhile, Gyamfi was presented a brand new ASICS canvas and a branded jersey of VIP Spikers as it is believed she would return to play after completing her rehabilitation.

The intervention reflects the importance of athlete welfare in Nigerian sports, particularly the need to ensure that players who sustain injuries while representing their teams receive appropriate medical attention and rehabilitation support.

The sponsorship of Gyamfi’s surgery by the Comptroller-General, followed by her signing by VIP Spikers, highlights the potential impact of collaboration between sports authorities, competition sponsors and clubs in safeguarding athletes’ careers.

After the surgery Gyamfi has been undergoing physiotherapy sessions at the 44 Military Reference hospital in Kaduna as the Sporting Club is supporting her education at Kaduna State Polytechnic.

Gyamfi’s story offers an encouraging example of support for an athlete facing a difficult period in her career.

Her unveiling reinforces the message that volleyball development goes beyond competitions and trophies to include protecting players’ welfare and helping them return to the sport they love.

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